"It's definitely on the table, and if it helps get us something we think is going to make us better, then we'll look to do that," Swann told SEN radio on Thursday.

"Our preference is we want to go to the draft and keep building from underneath. That's the thing for us. We think the last couple of years, we've brought in some really good young talented players.

"We still need some experienced players to make us competitive ... and there might be one or two others that we'll have a look as the trade period unfolds."

Essendon holds the No.1 pick in this year's draft but has signalled it won't trade the selection.

The Lions, who have also appointed a new football boss in David Noble, have declared they are willing to deal senior players in exchange for first-round draft picks after finishing in the bottom four for a third-straight season.

"We've had two pretty poor years and so you've got to make changes to your list," he said.

"I think that's just a given. It doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be all of the experienced players, but we have to get better."